Baptist Press – Page 167 – The Prayer Link

Friday

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly

above all that we ask or think,

according to the power that works in us,

to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus

to all generations,

forever and ever.”

~Ephesians 3:20-21~

Three More Christians Killed in Northern Iraq:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32377

Picture and obituary for Maurice Ricks:

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=540585&fh_id=11426&s_id=646E1B9B8E779782AE5F07FFF65A890D

WATCH OUT FOR LUCILLE

I heard about someone who works in the customer service call center of a national pager company. He deals with the usual complaints regarding poor pager operation, as well as the occasional crank caller demanding to be paged less often, more often, or by more interesting people.

His favorite call came from a man who repeatedly complained that he keeps being paged by “Lucille.” He was instructed that he would have to call her and tell her to stop paging him.

“She don’t never leave no number, so I can’t call her back,” he said.

After three such calls, someone thought to ask how he knew it was Lucille if she didn’t leave a number.

“She leaves her name” was the reply.

After establishing that the customer had a numeric-only pager, the light bulb came on. “How does she spell her name?” the service rep asked.

“L-O-W C-E-L-L”

When things start to bother us, the problem may simply be that we need to get “re-charged”. Keeping our schedules overbooked, staying busy “doing things”, going here and there — it takes a toll after a while. Before we get stressed out and burned out, we need to learn to take some time to unwind and recharge. Turn off the radio and the television. Oh, and the computer, too! Unplug the telephone if you need to, or better yet, get away from the house (without the cell phone). Spend some quiet time with God in prayer and reflection on His Word.

Notice what Jesus did as he was surrounded by a crowd of people, all demanding a piece of his time:

“Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” (Matthew 14:22-23)

Watch out for Lucille! Don’t forget to recharge.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Several times this week, I said my life was “busy, but good”. I know this devotional was meant for me. Was it meant for you too?

Anna Lee

Thursday

“In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,

for You will answer me.”

Psalm 86:7

Continue to pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family. Include prayers for Leslie and Stephanie as they adjust to being a family of four.

CaringBridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris/journal

Holly K. says it is extremely hot where she lives. Poor electrical service means no fans! Pray for Holly and others who live where the weather is very warm now.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 24, 2010

—————————————

Remaining 2 Baptist volunteers in Haiti to be freed

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32359

GCR Task Force process discussed

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32361

WRAP-UP: EC actions include 1-year seminary reallocation to aid NOBTS

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32362

Baptist youth injured in school shooting

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32363

Volunteers carry compassion to Haiti, but have ‘no bottled answers’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32364

Volunteers from 16 states in Haiti so far

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32365

ERLC: Obama plan has abortion funding

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32366

OLYMPICS: Olympian says there’s ‘no atheist at the top of a bobsled run’

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32367

OLYMPICS: Pac, Meyers in 2nd after 2 heats

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32368

FIRST-PERSON: Changing how we view Terri Schiavo

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32369

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

LARRY AND JANE HUDSON are dear friends from the Main Street church in Calhoun, Kentucky…

A few years ago invited me to Sunday dinner following the AM worship assembly. This special couple was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and so they asked me to go along and commemorate the happy occasion.

Our destination…? Owensboro, Kentucky and Moonlite Bar-B-Q.

Everybody in that neck of the woods knows about Moonlite. Think “casual dining.” Think “family feel.” Think “all-you-can-eat” BBQ buffet. Underline the word “all.” Hungry guests stand in line with a plate and then help themselves to a smorgasbord of tasty, home-style dishes.

Buffet. Choose what you want. Skip what you don’t want. Go back as many times as you wish. This is gastronomical heaven. I loaded my plate with country favorites — mashed potatoes, pulled pork, and green beans, but then skiped the macaroni and cheese, gravy and rolls.

I left the restaurant full as the proverbial tick. Okay, maybe not full — I stopped just one bite shy of gluttony.

The meal was great. The Christian company was even better.

It occurs to me that many preachers treat the Word like a trip to Moonlite. They fill their theological dinner-ware with perennial favorites. They “eat” what their doctrinal belly desires (Philippians 3:19), but then pass over those food items which their denomination deems unpalatable. For instance, some heap their plate with faith, but then consciously omit what the Scriptures teach about baptism. They select SOME of God’s word but not the SUM of God’s word. They claim to be “Bible-believing,” but then do a “Moonlite” on those passages which teach the necessity of immersion.

Does the New Testament require baptism? No? Look again. According to Matthew 28:19-20 baptism is involved in my becoming a disciple of Christ. According to Mark 16:15-16 baptism is something I must engage if I want to be saved. According to Acts 2:37-38 baptism is something I must undergo in order to be forgiven of my sins. According to Acts 8:12-13, 38 baptism is something I must submit to, even if it means changing my religion. According to Acts 10:48 baptism is something I must obey because it has been commanded. According to Acts 16:14-15, baptism is something I will yield to — immediately — in order to be faithful to the Lord. According to Acts 22:16 baptism is something I must do if I desire my past sins to be taken away (cf. Acts 9:6). According to Romans 6:3-7 baptism is that which makes a difference (slave of sin vs. slave of righteousness) in my life. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13 baptism is the means by which I enter the body or church (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23). According to Galatians 3:26-27 baptism is the way that I become a child of God. According to 1 Peter 3:21 baptism saves.

Got your Bible handy? Read through Jeremiah 36. Jeremiah prophesied during the closing days of the Southern kingdom of Judah. On one occasion, the prophet received a divine message from God and then had the words written on a scroll (vv. 1-3). This inspired document was later read to king Jehoiakim by Jehudi (vv. 21). When Jehudi read that the kingdom-nation would be overthrown by the Babylonian empire, Jehoiakim decided he couldn’t “stomach” anymore. The arrogant ruler took a scribe’s penknife, cut up the scroll, and then cast it into the fire until it was consumed (vv. 22-24).

Jehoiakim would have liked Moonlite. Eat what you want. Skip what you don’t want. Mashed potatoes “yes,” dinner rolls “no.” Authoritarian rule “yes,” servile bondage “no.” Faith “yes,” baptism “no.”

Dear reader, the Bible is not a self-serve restaurant. We can’t pick out the parts that we like and then reject or cut out the portions that don’t strike our fancy. We must declare and consume (Jer. 15:16) the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27; cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4), including those passages which teach the necessity of baptism.

Is your preacher offering some of God’s Word, or the sum of God’s Word? Mike Benson

“The sum of your word is truth,

and every one of your righteous rules endures forever”

~Psm. 119:160~

Count your blessing, not your problems! Remember, today is Terrific Thursday!

Anna Lee

Wednesday

“. . . I . . . do not cease to give thanks for you,

making mention of you in my prayers:

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of glory,

may give to you the spirit of wisdom and

revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

~Ephesians 1:16-17~

Wayne Criswell (by Brent Criswell)

I wanted provide more information than before. They ended up having to make a larger incision due to the location and the fact that it covered parts of two lobes. Everything went well and all of the doctors are optimistic pending final pathology exam that this should be it. The larger incision means more pain and possibly a day or two extra in the hospital. Overall things are going very well and we are all thankful for the prayers and calls.

Please continue to pray for Roger Pittman. He is not going to be able to wait a few weeks before going back to the doctor. Pray for the Pittman family as they conduct the memorial service for Chuck today.

Pray for Mrs. Faye Price and her family. I understand the plans are to bring “Miss” Faye home.

CaringBridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Winter Olympics from a Christian viewpoint:

http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=166

WAIT

SOMETIMES GOD SEEMS to take forever…

You wait and wait and wait. But when He finally moves, He does more in one hour and you could accomplish in a lifetime. So it’s your choice: be busily consumed with your paltry attempts or wait on God until He moves in the fulness of His glory and purposes. God’s sense of timing is like this: He waits forever and then moves suddenly and instantaneously. There’s only one way to even begin to tune into God’s sense of timing, and that is through waiting. Waiting transports us out of the temporal, out of our time-zone, and into His time-zone.

God can out-wait anybody. He just waits and waits, while the crisis looms larger and larger, and He waits some more. He waits until the crisis becomes an impossible predicament. And then He waits some more! Finally, when the remotest chance of escape is completely gone, God intervenes suddenly. A good example of this is Abraham.

God promised Abraham a son when he was 75 years old, even though Sarah was barren. And then God waits five years, ten years, fifteen years, twenty years. By now it’s too late. Even if Sarah were not barren, she is now too old, and so is Abraham. Twenty-five years. Count them. Twenty-five interminable years. Finally, when all natural hope was exhausted, God provided and Sarah became pregnant! God is the king of wait. (Bob Sorge)

“Rest in the LORD,

and wait patiently for Him;

do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,

because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”

Proverbs 37:7

Posted by Mike Benson

I don’t usually mind waiting as much as some people, but I think I will begin to enjoy waiting more when I realize I’m getting in God’s time schedule.

“Count Your Blessings” today.

Anna Lee

Saturday

Jesus told him,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.

No one can come to the Father except through me.

~John 14:6 (NLT)~

From Tom Tolar:

photo.php.jpg

Darbi Claire Tolar. 6.5lbs. 18.5 inches. Mom and Darbi are absolutely perfect. God is Good.

Caring Bridge

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris

Good News Club

Thanks for your prayers….things went well today. Still working out a few kinks….maybe we’ll have it down by our last meeting! Only 4 more!

Tricia

Baptist Press: BPNews.net

Baptist Press – Olympics: http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=166

Devotional: http://www.forthright.net/kneemail/2009/10/inheritance.html

Have a great day preparing for the Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Now he who plants and he who waters are one,

and each one will receive his own reward

according to his own labor.

For we are God’s fellow workers.”

~1 Corinthians 3:8-9a~

Continue to pray for Mrs. Ruby Dillion as she slowly recovers. As you pray for her, also pray for her sister, Dee Forrest, in Alabama who lost her husband.

Please add Amy Robertson Johnson to your prayer list. Amy teachers at KHS and is hospitalized in Covington.

Begin to pray today for Roger Pittman who will be back in North Oaks tomorrow for a procedure.

Robert H. “Bob” Axvig
(March 12, 1931 – February 17, 2010)

Robert H. “Bob” Axvig was born on March 12, 1931 and passed away at 3:15 a.m., Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. He was 78, a native of Edinburg, ND and a resident of Kentwood, LA.

Mr. Bob is survived by his wife Eddis Morgan Axvig; 3 daughters, Robin Preston and husband, Jim, Faye Braud and husband, Dave, Karen Hall and husband, Charlie; son, Mike Axvig and wife Cori; step-daughter, Rene’ McDaniel and husband, Rodney; brother, Allyn Axvig and wife Carol; 2 sisters, Marge Smith and husband, Wayne and Elaine Wright and husband “Bunny”; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by parents; first wife, Carol Axvig.

Visitation at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, February 20,2010 from 12:00 Noon until a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Shumock officiating.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive & Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Zelma Cutrer Lee

(January 21, 1921 – February 17, 2010)

Died at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at her residence near Independence, LA. She was born January 21, 1921 in Independence, LA and is 89 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Friday. Services conducted by Bro. Murphy Brantly. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by daughter, Janis L. Hayden and her husband, Aubrey “Vic” Hayden, Independence, grandchildren, Marla Hayden Davis and her husband, Billy C. Roper, Robert Edward Hayden and his wife, Brandi Hayden, Tre’ Cuti, Shannon Portier, Judy Culbreath, and Jr. Culbreath, great-grandchildren, Douglas Davis, Danielle Davis, Darla Davis, Cody Mulkey, Rosie Culbreath, Gustavo Culbreath, Maria Culbreath, Allen Portier, Joanna Portier, Jasime Portier, and Antonio Portier. Foster children, Bonnie Portier and Melissa McDonald. Preceded in death by husband, Flavil A. Lee, 4 sisters, Sylvia Carney, Doris Chambers, Lettie Bennett, and Thelma Easley.

Richard George Harvey, Jr.
(September 21, 1943 – February 11, 2010)

Richard George Harvey, Jr. a loving husband, father, son, grandfather and brother was born September 21, 1943 and passed away February 11, 2010 at North Oaks Medical Center. He was 66, a native of New Orleans and a resident of Amite.

He is survived by wife of 41 years Betty Granat Harvey, Amite; 2 son, Richard G. “Richie” Harvey, III , Amite and Ryan J. Harvey, Amite; mother, Shirley Hart Harvey Goddard, Big Branch, LA ; 2 granddaughters, Lauren Elizabeth Harvey and Melanie Rene Harvey ; a brother, Gary R. Harvey and wife Sue, Big Branch, LA; a sister, Charlene Elizabeth Mahner and husband David, Metairie, LA.

Preceded in death by his father Richard G. Harvey, Sr.

A Celebration of Life Service for Richard will be held at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home , Amite, on Sunday, February 14, 2010 with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m. until the Service at 2:00 p.m. with the Sharon Rybiski officiating.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Bill Hood Automotive and Mr. Tom’s Car Wash.

Thoughts by Callie Cole’s mother:

Good Morning,

As I ponder what I should write, I can only think about the Lord. I think about His plan, His will for each one of us in my household, in my families’ lives, and even in your life. I do not know alot of you who read this journal, not personally know you. And yet, you seem to care about Callie and my family. You pray and you wait for good news or any news concerning this circumstance of my life.
Why does it take a tragedy to bring us closer to Him? We must just sit on our thumbs so to speak and wait on Him to pry us into action. I thought I was being a good steward, a good servant, and a good catalyst for Christ’s kingdom. I was not. I had my own routine going for Frances (something that worked for my family and something that worked for my employer, and something that worked for church and community). What I did not have was a fresh, everyday-dependency on Him that brought an exuberant meaning to the day at hand.
Since the accident I have heard all the sayings we Christians have……like He will not give more than we can bear or let go and let God. I have also repeated them out loud and silently. They are true in their meaning, but I don’t think we really “get it”, not really. Perhaps we can not “get it” until we experience circumstances that bring us prostrate to the feet of the only One who loves us and knows us intimately whether we take the time to know Him or not.
He cares so much for His children that He will grow us even when we think “get it”. I think He is saying there is so much more He wants us to get about Him and He doesn’t want to play second to our worldly natures. He wants us to just lean on Him and His understanding not our own.
As you talk to Him and seek Him, I pray that you will continue to be real with yourselves. Ask that your understanding of Him and your heart will follow His desires for your life. Give everything to Him and let Him use you. This is surely abundant living.
Please continue to pray for Callie’s strength and endurance as she continues to call us to be real through her circumstance.

Love,
Frances

Baptist Press Sports: http://www.bpsports.net/

If you wish to share a praise, update, or request, feel free to contact me. We would be happy for pray. Thanks to all of you who pray each day. You truly make a difference.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Blessed be God,

who has not turned away my prayer,

nor His mercy from me!”

~Psalm 66:20~

The Wagstaffs are both better now and have been able to return to Romania after two months. They will continue their ministry there.

Chuck Pittman has been a little better for the last few days. He said he appreciates prayers from everyone. Continue to pray for the Pittman family.

Ed Dykes had a stent placed in his heart and is doing better. Continue to pray for him.

Gary Bouffard and others will soon be going to Haiti for three months to a year. Pray for them as they coordinate work there and for their families as they stay here and try to maintain a life that is “normal” without their loved ones.

Friends, I just wanted to give you a brief update…

Our team has regrouped. We are following the orders of those in authority over us. We are excited about this group of 50 kids who have been entrusted to us. McKinney ISD requires a “security” person to be present at our Club. Graham’s kindergarten teacher from last year (Mrs. Hendrickson) is our person. There is one week she is not going to be able to make it, but we found a sub for her–He is a 4^th grade teacher at the school. Since finding that sub, there have been 2 more teachers who have stepped up and shown an interest in switching off with Mrs. Hendrickson! We are grateful for the support of more staff from our school. It is our prayer that something can be worked out next fall where we can use some of these classrooms.

Please pray for:

© There is one student who caused a bit of a problem last week. Please pray about this situation. If more problems occur, I will need to contact his parents to drop him from the Club and let a student on our waiting list take his place.

Thanks!

Tricia

MARK BURKART (head of a family in the Mt. Hermon area; moved here since Katrina)

Mark Henry Burkart passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the age of 50. Beloved husband of Ellen Sumrall Burkart. Loving father of Matthew Burkart and Luke Burkart. Son of John Burkart and the late Florence Trapani Burkart. Brother of Michael Burkart and Stephen Jefferson. Also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. He was an employee of Johnson Controls. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Greenwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5200 Canal Blvd. (Formerly All Faiths Funeral Home), on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM. To view or sign the Family Guestbook, please visitwww.greenwoodfuneralhome.net.

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 15, 2010

—————————————

OLYMPICS: Hedrick’s skate blade carries reminder

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32288

OLYMPICS: Lacing up her skates, Zaugg-Siergiej remains mindful of God

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32289

OLYMPICS: Women’s hockey earns 1st win

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32290

Haiti ‘lawyer’ suspect in trafficking case

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32291

Coordinated relief plan for Haiti formulated

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32292

Avery Johnson’s dream lifted him to NBA

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32293

NCAA looks to ban Tebow-type eye black

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32294

FIRST-PERSON: ‘The Shack’ & the missing art of evangelical discernment

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32295

Christine Cox White
(June 13, 1921 – February 15, 2010)

Died at 6:25 a.m. on Monday, February 15, 2010 at Beacham Memorial Hospital in Magnolia, MS. She was born June 13, 1921 in Iuka, MS and was 88 years of age. Mrs. White was a resident of Kentwood, LA and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Kentwood. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11 a.m. on Thursday until religious services at 2 p.m. Thursday. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 3 daughters, Patsy Burt and her husband, Darryl, Watson, Christie Ortner and her husband, Richard, Iuka, MS and Shelia Smith, Kentwood, 2 sons, Jerry White and his wife, Denise, Osyka, MS and Karl White, Kentwood, 2 sisters, Helen Roberts, Kentwood and Betty Trahan, Amite, 3 brothers, Leslie Cox, Iuka, MS, Herbert Cox, Cherokee, AL, and Charlie Cox, Iuka, MS, 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Cecil White, sister, Aline Jones, grandson, Michael White, and parents, Arthur and Verlie Cox. The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home for their excellent care and compassion.

FRIENDSHIP

I CAN COUNT on one hand my most intimate friends, those with whom I would share anything…

I can hardly think of a boundary on our conversations. We reached that plane of relationship after long hours together and considerable risk. If a doctor informs me tomorrow that I have a terminal disease, they will be my first calls.

Most of my intimate friends live in other cities, and as a result I may see them only once a year. When we meet, though, we skip the chitchat and go right to the heart of what concerns us most. I don’t worry about being judged or second-guessed or made the subject of gossip. With true friends, I feel safe.

Friendship with God encompasses each of these levels of communication. God cares about the ordinary and everyday as well as the peak experiences. I bring to God my failures and sins (confession, repentance) as well as my triumphs and joys (praise, thanksgiving). I bring to God my worries and concerns (petition, intercession). The very attempt to hide something from God is folly, for God know all of who I am: the genetics as well as the environment, the thoughts and motives as well as the actions. (Philip Yancey)

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,

Abraham believed God,

and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:

and he was called the Friend of God.”

James 2:23

Posted by Mike Benson

Please feel free join us at the cabin Thursday night at 6:30. We will share a meal, fellowship, share a devotional, and pray.

Thanks for praying today. Your prayers mean so much to so many!

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Anna Lee

Saturday

I have set an example for you,

so that you will do just what I have done for you.

~John 13:15 (TEV)~

CaringBridge Updates

Baptist Press Stories for Feb. 12, 2010

—————————————

Baptist volunteers endure squalid prison conditions
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32272

OLYMPICS: American speedskater says ‘even the wild guy can find the light’
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32273

Chapman: Strive for ‘full cooperation’
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32274

State execs, editors honor Chapman, Rankin
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32275

EKG study: Churches see measurable gains
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32276

Hunt, FBC Woodstock raise CP giving 90%
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32277

Saints’ win stirs seminary’s heart for city
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32278

‘The Love Dare’ gets a sequel
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32279

ATF releases sketches of TX arson suspects
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32280

INTERNATIONAL DIGEST: Christians in Laos forced from church at gunpoint
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32281

FIRST-PERSON: A few thoughts on the gay non-monogamy study
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32282

Billy Graham’s Effort’s in Haiti

http://www.billygraham.org/News_Article.asp?ArticleID=783&BA=1867&QR=169

————-

ATTITUDE

VICTOR FRANKL COULD have been forgiven if he had displayed a bad attitude…

As a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, he was witness to some of the most indescribable horrors in human history.
How, then, did Frankl avoid the fate of pessimism and bitterness? He wrote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s way.”

Our attitude is a matter of choice? Few ever come to that realization. They merely take the mood that comes with the events of their day and act correspondingly. If someone cuts me off in traffic, I’ll be in a foul mood for awhile. If I get that promotion, I’ll be on top of the world. If not, stay out of my path!

What can a person do to test Frankl’s theory of choosing one’s attitude? Here are some ideas from one who was described as having a heart like God’s ( Acts 13:22):

• Practice Praise: “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together” said David in Psalm 34:3 (NKJV). When we take time to realize how much greater God is than the problems of our world, we’ll be encouraged. Life won’t seem so dismal to one who is a child of the Omnipotent Father!

• Try Thankfulness: In Psalm 103:2, David gave this admonition: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” After writing that, he listed some of his many blessings. It will work the same for us. When we count our blessings, we remember that God has not forgotten us. Every day his mercies toward us are rich.

• Break Out The Blinders: Hear David again in Psalm 101:3: “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.” Is television filling our souls with discouraging images of problems or with scenes of wickedness? Would our attitudes improve if we spent time meditating on good, wholesome ideas and images (cf.Philippians 4:8)? “Garbage in, garbage out” was first applied to computers, but it also explains many a bad attitude.

Christians should demonstrate attitudes that are markedly different from those of the world. Jesus said so in John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Ask someone close to you: “Does my joy show?” If it doesn’t, it’s time to choose a better attitude – with God’s help. Tim Hall at http://www.forthright.net

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and

if there is anything praiseworthy–

meditate on these things.”

Philippians 4:8

Posted by Mike Benson

I’ve read several books on the Holocaust lately. This devotional seemed to help me relate to the experiences I read about in the books. That’s what attracted me to that particular KneEmail, but the fact that our attitude is our choice led me to post it for everyone to meditate on. I hope it is meaningful to you!

Please continue to pray for those mentioned lately. Your combined prayer effort is amazing!

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

Friday

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Death will exist no longer;

grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer.”

~Revelation 21:4a, HCSB~

Mrs. Ruby Dillon had a better day yesterday. She is expected to be released today or tomorrow.

Please continue to pray for the Pittman family.

CaringBridge

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS PRAYERLINE
IMB
Friday, February 12, 2010

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer,” (Revelation 21:4a, HCSB).

Dear Intercessors, this is Eleanor Witcher of the Office of Global Prayer Strategy, continuing in prayer for the Haitian people.

One month ago, we watched the news in disbelief as images of total devastation were revealed. It is estimated that more than 230,000 people died, 300,000 were injured and one million left homeless.

Steve and Marilee Flook (Team Hispanola) ask us to pray for missionaries and teams traveling on very dangerous roads between Jimani, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. They also ask prayer for an extra measure of rest and strength. As many have experienced through a natural disaster, “you go until you can’t go any more.”

Strolling across the hospital grounds, Delores York spied three young people sitting, talking, and the middle one writing something on a pad of paper. “They smile as I greet them and we start just chatting. I ask the young girl what she is writing and she says it’s a letter to her mother. I ask what would seem to be the obvious, ‘Are you going to put it in an envelope to send it?’ She smiles a rather sad smile and says ‘No.’ I ask her where her mother is and she responds she thinks she is still buried under a large collapsed building in Port-au-Prince.”

Even as life continues and things appear fairly normal, deep pain remains. IMB counselors have taught grief counseling to a group of IMB missionaries, Dominican Baptist leaders, and Haitian leaders to help people deal with their grief. One pastor said the sick cannot help the sick.

* Please pray for pastors to be ministered to in order for them to minister to others.

* Give thanks for medical teams that have been working diligently, now witnessing the birth of new babies and many new births in Christ!

* Intercede for the Haitian people that they will receive the Lord’s healing–mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual.

Baptist Press Sports

Read some testimonies of the players who participated in the Superbowl last week.

http://www.bpsports.net/

The memorial service for Mary Frances Ashley McCullough is Sunday at the First Baptist Church at 2 PM.

(Mary Frances was one of David’s classmates at Amite High School.)

GIVE THANKS FOR YOUR FRIENDS

I heard about a farmer who was detained for questioning about an election scandal. The attorney asked him, “Did you sell your vote?”

The farmer said, “No sir, not me. I voted for that there fella ’cause I liked him.”

The attorney said, “Come, now, I have evidence that he gave you fifty dollars for a vote.”

The farmer said, “Well, now, it’s plain common sense that when a fella gives you fifty dollars you like him.”

I suppose that’s one way to define a friend. In fact, Solomon said, “Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts.” (Proverbs 19:6).

But, a true friend involves a depth of relationship. It’s someone you enjoy doing things with, someone you enjoy talking with, someone you wouldn’t hesitate to turn to in times of need. I like how I once heard someone describe a friend as someone you could call at 2:00 a.m. if you needed something. Solomon lets us know how important friends are in the difficult times of life:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Eccl. 4:9-12)

Give thanks to God for the friends who are a blessing in your life. And let those friends know how special they are to you!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Stay warm and dry if possible. Be safe.

Anna Lee

Thursday

“Teacher,” he asked,

“which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

This is the greatest and the most important commandment.

The second most important commandment is like it:

‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’

~Matthew 22:36-39 (TEV)~

HAITI

Steve and Marilee Flook ask you to join with them in praying for our missionaries and teams traveling to and from Jimani, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. “Ask the Lord to protect them on these very dangerous roads. We also ask you to pray for an extra measure of rest and strength. As many have experienced through a natural disaster, you go until you can’t go any more. That is where God’s supernatural power comes in, and that comes through our prayers.”

CaringBridge

Good News Club

Ok, me again…I just received a call from the school secretary…. Not so good.

We cannot use the gym or cafeteria….only the library. This means we cannot provide a snack. We have to cap it to the number of chairs in the library—45. They may let those other few come who were there on Friday. There have been more slips turned in today, but I was told I’ll have to call these parents and put them on a “waiting list”. I was also told that “if anything is messed up in the library, the librarian will put a stop to this.”

I tried to discuss my idea for the future in recruiting more volunteers, using about 3 or 4 classrooms, dividing the kids by grade level and having the leaders rotate into the rooms to tell the story, do games, etc. That idea was shot down right away. We are not to use any classrooms. I have a friend who does this in Carrollton. She has 130 kids who come. Several of her volunteers are teachers. They meet in classrooms. Must be an evangelical staff at that school to accommodate. I thought ours was……maybe not.

I guess I’ll for sure stick to outreaches in my home….without a cap!

Thanks for your prayers,

Tricia

Update from Samaritan’s Purse

Dear Friend,

I have just returned from Haiti, where Samaritan’s Purse is working non-stop to help survivors of the catastrophic Jan. 12 earthquake. It’s almost impossible to describe the scope of the tragedy—not just the endless devastation and the lingering stench of death, but the anguished faces of women, children, and others who are desperate for food, water, and shelter.

Our teams on the ground estimate that Samaritan’s Purse has been able to help close to 100,000 people since the quake struck.

Here are some of the ways we have responded:

SHELTER: Everywhere we went, I saw makeshift homes covered with heavy-duty blue plastic handed out by Samaritan’s Purse. Already, we’ve distributed enough plastic for about 20,000 families. In the coming days we will begin providing thousands more with transitional housing where they can live until they are able to rebuild a permanent house.
MEDICAL CARE: While I was in Haiti, Samaritan’s Purse reopened a clinic at one of the largest churches in Cite Soleil. It will be staffed by doctors who are volunteering through World Medical Mission, the medical arm of Samaritan’s Purse. We are also continuing to provide doctors and support for the Baptist Haiti Mission hospital, where over 1,500 survivors have been treated; and we sent in a helicopter this week to carry medical brigades into some of the most isolated and hard-hit towns.
FOOD: We have handed out 250 tons of rice and other staples to thousands of families, focusing on the needs of mothers and other women. Our teams have also delivered food to over 40 orphanages where children had gone hungry since the earthquake.
WATER: We have set up large-scale water filtration systems at 10 locations, providing more than 20,000 people with clean drinking water. More filters have just arrived and will be installed soon.

This has been the most massive relief project in the history of Samaritan’s Purse. We have chartered eight cargo flights and two trips by an ocean-going barge that delivered over a million pounds of heavy equipment and construction supplies. We thank God for providing the resources and opening the doors for us to deliver help into the crippled country.

Click on the video image here to watch my report from Haiti.

We praise God for what He is doing through Samaritan’s Purse to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Haiti. Your prayers and support are making a difference. Please continue to lift up our teams on the ground. They need God’s strength and wisdom as they help and minister to those who have lost everything. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”(Psalm 46:L1).

If you would like to know more about what Samaritan’s Purse is doing in Haiti and how you can help, go to www.samaritanspurse.org or call us at 1-800-528-1980.

Sincerely,

Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan’s Purse

Baptist Press – Superbowl

February 8, 2010

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a special bulletin from Baptist Press. The following three articles, featuring personalities and events surrounding Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, were released over the weekend. They will also appear in the regular BP HTML email this afternoon.

FLORIDA–Lauren Dungy says children supportive of ‘Coach,’ but grateful for ‘full-time dad.’http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32240

FLORIDA–Michael Vick shares first-ever testimony of his faith in God.http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32239

FLORIDA–Michael Oher talks football, ‘Blind Side.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=32238

Have a great Thursday, but keep an eye on the weather conditions.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

Wise men and women are always learning,

always listening for fresh insights.

~Proverbs 18:15 (MSG)~

Continue to pray for Roger Pittman. He will have his last procedure repeated on the 19th. Pray for him as he deals with pain in the meantime.

Chuck Pittman‘s family is taking turns staying with him. Pray for Chuck and his family as he continues his fight with cancer.

Pray for Bro. Butch Reviere as he continues to heal and as he learns the plan for his treatment.

Pray for Larkin Dorris as she has chemo.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larkindorris/journal

From Trisha Wilson (Texas) – Good News Club

I hope you are not tired of hearing from me….I have been meaning to tell you about an answer we received in prayer just last Wednesday. One of our team members attends Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco. Stonebriar has a ministry called community outreach, and they are going to sponsor our club. We have spent much $$ out of our own pockets to get this club going. Now those expenses (snacks for kids, supplies, printing/copying, prizes, literature, etc.) will be funded in the future! I am so thankful for a church willing to support ministry to those in the public schools!

Grateful,

Tricia

Ok, me again…I just received a call from the school secretary…. Not so good.

I guess I’ll for sure stick to outreaches in my home….without a cap!

Thanks for your prayers,

Tricia

Charlene McKenzie Brisbois
(May 17, 1934 – February 6, 2010)

Died on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Lane Regional Medical Center in Zachary, LA. She was bornMay 17, 1934 in Tylertown, MS and is resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 75 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. on Monday until 2 p.m. Monday followed by Graveside Services at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Services conducted by Rev. William Hyde. Survived by 3 daughters, Brenda Prudhomme and her husband, Michael, Greenwell Springs, Gina Carver and her husband, Chuck, Kentwood, Michelle Brisbois, Kentwood, son, Wesley Ryals, Kentwood, 4 granddaughters, Kellie and Wendy Prudhomme, Marta Sproles, Hannah Carver, 2 great-granddaughters, Sophie and Rylie Sproles, 2 sisters, Ruth Sorrell, Tylertown, MS, Allene West, Jarreau. Preceded in death by daughter, Deborah Ann Ryals, son, Jerry Jay Ryals, parents, Price and Maude McKenzie, brother, Jim McKenzie.

Please take time to read these articles about the Superbowl.

http://www.bpnews.net/BPCollectionNews.asp?ID=165

Here’s a link to a devotional that most of us can find meaningful to our lives.

https://www.upperroom.org/devotional/

Have a terriffic Tuesday! Please let me know if you have a praise, a request, or an update to be shared with all the other prayer partners.

Anna Lee